Month: March 2024

Jabra adds Cutting-Edge Updates to Flagship Earbuds

In January, Jabra, a global leader in true wireless sound and hybrid work solutions, announced a suite of experience-enhancing updates to its latest Elite wireless earbuds, the Jabra Elite 8 Active and Jabra Elite 10. The experience-enhancing feature-updates are live via update in the app today. These updates not only elevate the audio quality but also enhance the overall functionality and usability of Jabra’s latest generation earbuds. 

Jabra Elite 10 

Jabra’s most comfortable earbuds now have enhanced sound with new AI-based distractor suppression algorithms that improve the noise reduction in the human voice frequency range. This means that voices from people around you will be more effectively blocked out,  resulting in improved call quality. 

Furthermore, Jabra has added Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) during calls to make the call experience much better. Users can expect up to 2X better background voice blocking, optimising call clarity for bustling environments like offices, restaurants, and busy streets, ensuring uninterrupted conversations. 

Jabra Elite 8 Active 

The world’s toughest earbuds get enhanced ANC and HearThrough performance for windy conditions, thanks to a software upgrade that uses dual-microphone technology to detect wind-noise more accurately. With the new software release both external mics are used to detect wind levels and ensure smoother transitions to wind mode.  

The improved music listening experience and awareness makes running or working outdoors more enjoyable.  

Updates are pushed out via the Jabra Sound+ app, and are available to all users, existing and new, via a hassle-free over-the-air update at no cost. 

Tech Review – Skullcandy GROM Wireless headphones for kids

The Skullcandy GROM Wireless headphones for kids are a new range of headphones that also come in a wired version for kids that want the best in audio and simplicity to use with no fuss and these super lightweight headphones do all this and keep it simple. They are very comfortable to wear too by the way and no clamping effect like some headphones suffer with.

The presentation is as we expect from Skullcandy and that is one that will stand out and kept simple too and the same for inside the box with some leaflets cables and we also get some stickers now which is nice and destined for my new laptop.

The headphones could not be easier to use with all the controls on one side and you can tap the cup to make some commands which is super simple and means no buttons for kids to be fooling around with, I like this idea and we have seen gesture controlled headphones before but this idea work just as well. You also have a port to share your audio with someone else too which is neat.

All the controls are on one side of which allows you to pair up, use your voice assistant skip and reverse tracks and volume control you can also control your calls here too. With the volume wheel you can override the volume and you need to give a slightly more hard push to move it along and get to the max volume which is decent and of course safe protecting kids ears.

There is no app here again kept simple and they just connect via Bluetooth and job done if you run out of juice you can still use the traditional route of the 3.5mm cable provided in the box.

When it comes to sound well they are for kids and I have to take into consideration my thoughts and the thoughts of others and being honest it is perfectly fine and with the Skullcandy signature sound kids will not be disappointed and the music is crisp and clear with no distortion or lag latency noted during my testing, highs lows and mids all fine too and any genre of music will sound great and for all the family and relations kids that tested them where happy.

Check the video below for all the details and how to use the latest kids headphones from Skullcandy.

 

GROM WIRELESS KEY FEATURES

SUPREME SOUND TM:

  • Premium sound quality for music, movies, and podcasts
  • Comfortable over-ear kid-sized fit
  • Share Audio Port for shared experiences
  • Removable aux cable included

 

FEARLESS USE TM:

  • Up to 40 hours of battery life
  • Designed for kids age 6+
  • Volume limited to 85dB for safety
  • Adjustable fit headband strap
  • Collapsible design with kid-safe hinges

 

SIMPLIFY YOUR LISTENING TM:

  • Easy-to-use button on the earcup for calls and media control
  • Power button for entering Pairing Mode
  • Volume Limit Override on the Volume Wheel for clear audio in louder environments

BUY

Video review

Why A New Working From Home ‘Boom’ Is On The Horizon

Video conferencing manufacturer, Boom Collaboration is predicting a surge in demand for home working equipment, fuelled by major UK employment law changes.

From April 6th new flexible working legislation mean millions of employees will have more choice over where and when they work, from day one of a new role.

Under the new regulations, people will be entitled to request flexible working arrangements from the very first day of their employment rather than after 26 weeks as is currently. This includes requests for part-time, term-time, flexitime, compressed hours, and varied working locations.

Employers need to be aware that, under the new rules, before they reject any request for flexible working arrangements, they have to explain the reasons behind their decision. Previously, employers could deny any request for flexible working without explanation.

Spike

Employers are also obliged to respond to flexible working requests within two months, compared to three months previously. In addition, employees can also make two statutory requests for flexible working in any 12-month period, as opposed to one request previously.

The new Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023 will trigger a further spike in demand for video conferencing equipment according to Boom co-founder Holli Hulett, who explained that the changes are about to come into full force. 

“In many ways the Covid lockdowns were a game-changer which triggered huge demand for video conferencing and a dramatic shift in working patterns. These trends continue to evolve on a global scale.

“This latest UK legislation represents a compelling opportunity for all those working in the industry to engage with their customers and re-evaluate their flexible working needs,” she emphasised.

Array

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Boom Collaboration develops conferencing and collaboration hardware solutions for the complete array of meeting environments, from personal devices to full room systems. Boom was created by founders Fredrik Hörnkvist as well as Hulett, and operates via distributor Westcoast in the UK.

Hörnkvist highlighted how ‘jumping on a conference call’ has now become part of daily life for many employees and their organisations.

“There’s no doubt video conferencing is a proven alternative to face-to-face meetings and the quality of equipment continues to rise with ever more sophisticated and intelligent AI-based capabilities. Lots of workers enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working from different locations and in different ways. Remote meetings are also kinder to the planet too, saving not just time but lots of business travel.”

Boom Collaboration Founders Fredrik Hörnkvist and Holli Hulett.

He added: “Dedicated working from home kits continue to accelerate in popularity, whilst video bars and powerful PTZ cameras provide the optimum meeting room experience. But there’s no one-size-fits-all as every business has bespoke needs and requirements.”

Hulett concluded: “We expect to see demand grow for personal conferencing as well as wider meeting room investments, where high quality audio as well as pristine picture performance make conferencing engaging, intuitive and easy to use. In many cases people can work in more flexible ways from almost anywhere without any detrimental impact to business performance. The new UK legislation further reflects this.”

This article is based on various independent research including speaking to employment law solicitors plus information from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development as outlined here:

https://www.cipd.org/uk/views-and-insights/thought-leadership/cipd-voice/new-employment-legislation/ 

Husqvarna Group Expands Virtual Boundary Robotic Lawn Mower Range to Medium-Sized Gardens

Husqvarna Group, market leader in robotic lawn care, introduces two new models of Husqvarna Automower specifically designed for medium-sized gardens. The new models, Automower 310E NERA and Automower 410XE NERA, seamlessly integrate with Husqvarna’s EPOS satellite navigation system and features the new EdgeCut technology, ensuring neatly trimmed lawn edges.

Last year, Husqvarna Group introduced a new era of robotic lawn care with the NERA series, eliminating the need for physical boundary wires in residential gardens. Now, the range expands with two models tailored for lawns up to 1000 square meters. Husqvarna Automower 310E NERA and 410XE NERA leverage Husqvarna’s reliable EPOS satellite navigation system, providing precision down to 2-3 cm. Users can easily define virtual boundaries in their gardens using the Automower Connect app, which also allows customization of work areas, avoidance zones, and electronic height adjustments.

The new models also introduce Husqvarna’s groundbreaking EdgeCut technology, ensuring neatly trimmed lawn edges by utilizing an additional smaller cutting disc at the rear of the robot. Additionally, the 410XE NERA features radar technology, enabling it to navigate around objects on the lawn, preventing interruptions caused by toys or other items left behind.

“Husqvarna Group has produced robotic lawn mowers for almost 30 years and to continue leading the industry we constantly need to keep pushing our innovation capabilities, secure the highest level of quality, and deliver a smarter lawn care experience whilst minimizing emissions. With the new NERA models, we aim to reach an even broader audience and continue driving the shift from petrol-to-battery within garden care”, says Glen Instone, President, Husqvarna Forest & Garden.

Husqvarna Group pioneered the world’s first robotic lawn mower back in 1995 and remains the undisputed market leader. The Group’s ambition is to double robotics sales to SEK 12 billion by 2026. In 2023, sales amounted to SEK 8.1 billion.

 Learn more about the Husqvarna Automower NERA models here.

6 In 10 Believe AI Could Tackle Ireland’s Costly Consumer Inertia Problem

Ireland’s perennial problem of consumer inertia could be tackled head-on by effective use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is according to six in ten compliance professionals operating in Ireland’s financial service industry, who believe that through the technology’s identity verification and data capture capabilities – the amount of time it takes to safely and securely onboard customers for banking and other financial services could be significantly reduced, thus making it easier for consumers to shop around and switch – and in turn pocket valuable savings.

Almost one in five (18pc) compliance experts say that they believe that the risks of AI outweigh the benefits of the technology, while one in four (25pc) however are relatively confident in the technology, feeling AI has an equal amount of risks as benefits. One in eight (13pc) go as far as saying they believe the advantages will outweigh the risks.

This is according to the findings of a new survey by the Compliance Institute, which polled 175 compliance professionals working primarily in Irish financial services organisations nationwide on their attitudes towards AI, a technology which has developed at a rapid pace in recent years.

Commenting on the survey findings, Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute said:

Mr Kavanagh explained:

“It has long been accepted in Ireland that a general apathy and lack of proactivity when it comes to consumer behaviour around financial products and services costs the public thousands of euro every year. In Ireland, people very rarely switch banks or shop around for financial products and are slow to move insurers, with recent Central Bank research showing that only one in four people switch their car or home insurer when renewing their policy.

It could be that the correct use of AI could actually benefit consumers by significantly reducing the amount of time and effort consumers have to put into doing things like switching banks or insurers.

AI has the potential to also reduce customer onboarding costs to those organisations operating within the financial services industry. Know Your Customer (KYC) and the whole onboarding system is still relatively old-fashioned in many organisations when you think of how far we’ve come technology-wise in the last 10 to 20 years. The costs and time involved on both sides are still too high and there is an expectation that AI could be employed to reduce both. If a person had to jump through just one hoop instead of ten to change their banking provider, there’s a good chance they’d be more likely to do it”.

When it comes to the AI’s risk benefit ratio, our survey found that for almost half of the compliance practitioners asked, the jury is still out. However, most have confidence in its ability to drive change for the better when it comes to consumers and switching”.

The Compliance Institute says however, that the depth of the concerns revealed in the study around AI – and the potential for the technology to cause harm – should not be underestimated.

Mr. Kavanagh cautioned,

“Some of these concerns relate to privacy and misinformation issues, the potential of the technology to lead to job displacement, or even the risk of AI-altered images and videos disrupting the democratic process. This is why strong regulation in this area is so important and why the recently approved EU AI Act is so necessary. This regulation should ensure that AI systems are designed, developed and deployed in an ethical and trustworthy manner and that the fundamental rights, health and safety of the individual are protected while promoting responsible innovation.”

Magento PWA: The Basics You Need To Know

Magento is a widely popular e-commerce platform known for its flexibility, scalability, and customization options. It allows retailers to create and manage their online stores effectively, offering customizable themes, secure payment gateways, and many useful tools.

Magento PWA (Progressive Web Applications) have recently gained popularity among e-commerce businesses. But what are they? How can you use them to your advantage? Let’s delve into the subject so you will know the basics without reaching out to your Magento support services.

Understanding Progressive Web Apps

To begin, we should understand what Progressive Web Apps are. While the whole concept may seem complex, in simple terms, PWAs are web-based applications that offer a platform-specific user experience. They can run on different devices and platforms from a single codebase without the need for separate native apps.

Delivering a seamless experience to users of all devices, PWAs combine the most useful features of both web and mobile applications. This makes them advantageous for businesses looking to reach a wider audience and offer a consistent user experience across different platforms. Additionally, PWAs can work offline, making them extra convenient for users who may not always have access to a stable internet connection.

Many Magento migration services offer expertise in developing PWAs for the said platform in addition to their usual solutions, making it easier for e-commerce businesses to transition to this innovative technology.

Is PWA Good for E-commerce?

Progressive Web Apps are revolutionizing e-commerce. With the multitude of benefits they offer, they are a great choice for virtually any business, no matter the size or industry.

PWAs offer a more engaging purchasing experience, boost conversions, and improve user engagement. The quicker loading times work great for SEO, customer retention, and overall user satisfaction. Additionally, the ability to send push notifications can help drive repeat business.

Magento PWA integration aligns well with optimization strategies aimed at boosting online store performance. By leveraging PWA technology with Magento, businesses can create a seamless shopping experience across all devices, leading to higher customer satisfaction and, therefore, increased sales. Innovative solutions are the key to staying ahead in the highly competitive e-commerce market, so why not enhance your online store with Magento PWA development?

Benefits of Magento PWA

By integrating Magento PWA, businesses can leverage all of the advantages of progressive web apps, from faster loading times to improved user engagement and increased conversion rates. Let’s take a closer look at some of the many benefits of Magento PWA.

Improved Loading Speed

Most online store owners know how important it is to have a fast-loading website. Seeing as 53% of visitors will leave the site if it is too slow, the stakes are high. Losing over half of your potential customers can be disastrous, but a responsive and fast website using technologies such as App Shells and Service Workers can significantly improve loading times, keeping visitors engaged and, in turn, increasing the chances of conversion.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

The PWAs can smoothly work on different platforms and devices, ensuring that regardless of what the customer is using, they are getting the best experience. This cross-platform compatibility can help you ensure you reach the widest audience possible and maximize the outcome of your marketing efforts. Besides, it also reduces the need to develop separate apps for different operating systems, saving you time and resources.

Better Search Engine Results Placement

Because PWAs work very much like a webpage, search engines can index them. This, together with the higher loading speed, works wonders for improving search engine results placement, as responsive and fast-loading pages are favored by search engines. This means more visibility for your website and potentially more organic traffic, ultimately leading to increased conversions and therefore, higher revenue.

High Cost-Efficiency

PWAs cost significantly less than separate native apps, which is a huge advantage for smaller businesses and those with limited budgets. Additionally, PWAs do not require separate maintenance expertise for different operating systems, further reducing costs by not requiring you to hire specialists for specific systems or devices.

Easier Marketing

Magento PWA also helps to reduce costs by allowing businesses to use the same marketing strategies for all their platforms. Furthermore, the ability to send notifications and reminders through PWAs can help businesses let customers know of any upcoming sales or promotions, increasing engagement and driving sales. Digital marketing efforts can be streamlined and more effective, ultimately leading to a higher ROI.

No Extra Fees or Rules

Another great advantage of Magento PWAs is that they operate independently from popular app distribution services, like Google Play or Apple App Store. That means you are not bound by any additional fees or regulations imposed by these platforms, giving you more control and allowing you to have a direct relationship with your customers.

Are PWAs the Future of E-Commerce?

Since the world is largely shifting to mobile devices, PWAs seem to be a promising solution for e-commerce businesses looking to reach all their customers seamlessly across different platforms and operating systems. If designed to be accessible (with high-contrast mode, readable fonts, etc.), such apps can also be a great option for users with disabilities, making them more inclusive and user-friendly.

Progressive Web Apps are expected to change the way e-commerce businesses interact with their clients by providing a fast, reliable, and engaging user experience. With the ability to smoothly work offline and send push notifications, PWAs offer a more convenient experience for users, therefore leading to a higher rate of success for businesses that choose to implement them.

Should You Use Magento PWA?

If you are still unsure whether Progressive Web Apps are something that fits your business, you can ask a Magento PWA development specialist for more details. They will be able to tell you specifically how implementing this technology can benefit you and explain how to begin the process of integrating PWAs into your Magento.

By consulting with a specialist, you can gain valuable insights into the advantages and potential challenges of working with Progressive Web Apps. Custom-made solutions are often recommended to ensure that your PWA aligns with your business goals and needs.

State Street Officially Opens its New Kilkenny Office

State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors, today marked the official opening of its new office building in Kilkenny.

State Street established its Irish operations in 1996 and has grown to become one of the largest international financial services employers in Ireland. With a presence in Kilkenny for over 20 years, State Street was the first company in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), to establish a regional base outside of Dublin. Today’s opening ceremony, hosted by the Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, T.D. and by State Street chairman and chief executive officer Ron O’Hanley, signifies a major milestone in the firm’s ongoing commitment to the region and to Ireland.

“Our new office and global cybersecurity centre reflects State Street’s commitment to Ireland and our confidence in the South-East region’s exceptional talent pool” said Ron O ’Hanley, chairman and chief executive officer of State Street. “We are grateful to the Irish government for its support in our continuing journey to enhance our operational capabilities by leveraging Ireland’s exceptional workforce and its strength as a fund domicile and ecosystem.”

The availability of relevant and skilled technology talent from universities in the South-East region, alongside the need to support global operations outside of the US, are two of the key reasons for the firm to select Kilkenny as its regional base.

Welcoming the news, Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath said: “I want to congratulate State Street on this important milestone for their regional operations in Ireland. The Kilkenny operations are a vital element in the development of the international financial services sector in the South-East region and the cybersecurity centre is a testament to links they have developed with the third level institutions. State Street is one of the largest employers in financial services and I want to wish all the team in Kilkenny the very best and continued success as they build out their exciting new cybersecurity global business in the new offices.”

Located at IDA Ireland Business and Technology Park, the new state of the art building is also home to State Street’s recently established global cybersecurity centre of excellence, the only dedicated cybersecurity hub outside of the US, supporting the needs of its employees in over 200 geographic markets worldwide.

Terri Dempsey, country head of Ireland, added: “The establishment of this new office will amplify the work State Street has been doing in Kilkenny for over twenty years, deepening our connections to local community, businesses and institutions to nurture growth and innovation. Kilkenny’s thriving talent pool and dynamic innovation landscape make it an ideal base for our established cybersecurity fusion centre and enables us to actively promote female participation in the tech industry. Government policies and the continued support from the IDA have laid a solid foundation for State Street to grow together with the people of Kilkenny and for the prosperity of the region.”

State Street was recognised as the leading provider of fund administration services and custody services, and transfer agent in Ireland in The Monterey Insight 2023 report. Together with State Street Global Advisors, State Street’s asset management business, the firm has grown over the years to become one of the largest international financial services employers in Ireland.

In addition to its strategic importance to the firm, the modern building also reflects State Street’s strong commitment to environmental responsibility, including energy management systems, photovoltaic panels, and rainwater harvesting achieving BER A3 rating. The building has also integrated biodiversity elements and prioritised employee well-being with Fitwel certification, ample bicycle parking, walking trails, beehives, fitness hubs and diverse accessibility features to create a sustainable and employee-centric environment.

The RDI Hub Goes Virtual for Future Members Nationwide

The RDI Hub (‘the Hub’), the world-class innovation centre located in Killorglin, Co Kerry, has announced the launch of a new RDI Virtual Hub RDI hub digital community which will see it expand its offerings to corporates, SMEs, and Start-Up entrepreneurs nationwide.

This innovative new virtual membership offering will build on the significant success of the RDI Hub to date, expanding its sector-agnostic offering to businesses across the country, and giving them access to mentorship, training and events, and advice on available funding supports.

The RDI Virtual Hub offers a curated resource library and one-to-one coaching sessions with a diverse panel of seasoned mentors. Notable mentors include:

  • Hugh Reynolds – Havok and Swrve Founder & ex-Apple’s Special Projects and Uber’s Advanced Technology Group.
  • Jamie Heaslip – Entrepreneur, Angel Investor & Ireland Strategic Growth Lead at Stripe
  • Rose O Sullivan – Strategic Finance Manager at Fexco specialising in commercial modelling, developing pricing strategies and helping startups navigate the complexities of financial management as they scale

Members will also unlock access to a range of exclusive events and growth sessions and find out more about key initiatives such as STEM Passport for inclusion (a programme to help young women from underserved communities find potential career paths in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)  DIBEST (Digital Innovation for Blue Enterprises & Social Tourism), the annual John McCarthy AI Summer School,  and NDRC startup programmes to further their growth ambitions.

This news comes fresh on the heels of the recent announcement that the RDI hub has partnered with Microsoft to deliver a series of AI masterclasses, which will teach members how to best leverage AI to optimise their business’s productivity.

The launch of the virtual hub is the latest in a series of enterprising initiatives offered by the RDI Hub – last June the Hub hosted a mortgage innovation challenge which offered €1 million in grants to stimulate innovation in the provision of mortgages in Ireland. In November last year, the Hub opened its in-house podcast facility which has since been expanded to include a full video recording studio and green screen facilities.

The RDI Hub’s 4th anniversary celebrates 70 new companies and 300 jobs created in the South West

RDI Hub membership has gone from strength to strength and is now home to over 70 companies, ranging from start-ups and SMEs to global companies such as Glencar Construction, Axiota, Interflow Logistics and Vertex. Since 2020, over 50 new products and services have originated from the Hub, enabling the creation of more than 300 jobs.

Success stories to date include Xavatar, which has just launched a first-of-its-kind metaverse-based TV show that will air to over 60 million homes in the US, and Graphite Note, an AI platform that simplifies the use of Machine Learning in analytics by helping business users to generate machine learning models without coding.

Commenting on the success of the RDI Hub to date, Liam Cronin, CEO said:

“Over the past four years, the RDI Hub has created a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurship and business growth in the Southwest. Our new RDI Virtual Hub will enable us to expand this innovative spirit worldwide, by bringing together a virtual community of mentors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to share their insights and experience on a much larger scale.”

“We have a diverse range of members, operating across a broad range of sectors including Fintech Smart Manufacturing, Aquatech, Greentech, Sustainability AI, Robotics, and the Metaverse, creating a rich pool of expertise that will benefit businesses hugely when it comes to optimising their operations,” Liam added.

A monthly subscription is available for 35 euro (ex VAT)  per month, with an annual subscription available for €350 (ex VAT).  We are currently in phase one whereby we are onboarding our members onto the portal and plan on making it available to the public in April.

“This marks a significant milestone for RDI Hub as it expands its footprint, providing invaluable support to upcoming companies and entrepreneurs,” said Neil Hosty, CEO, Fexco. By fostering an ecosystem that facilitates growth and scalability, we aim not only to transform Kerry but also to offer new members the chance to connect with like-minded individuals. Through shared experiences and knowledge, we empower innovation—whether in their current roles or as aspiring entrepreneurs.”

The RDI Hub is a not-for-profit Public Private Partnership with Fexco, Kerry County Council, and Munster Technological University and is a €21 million investment, transforming Kerry into a globally connected technology innovation hotspot. It’s one of the regional hubs for the National Digital Research Centre and receives support from the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation’s Regional Enterprise Development Fund.

Esri’s technology helping the DURL Project to prevent 13M litres of polluted water from entering Dublin rivers

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), today announces that its digital mapping system is embedded in the Dublin Urban Rivers LIFE (DURL) Project’s methodology, which is preventing circa 13 million litres of polluted wastewater from entering Dublin rivers annually.

DURL is a joint venture between South Dublin and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Councils, with funding received from the EU LIFE Programme. It aims to improve water quality by finding and removing misconnected household appliances that are expelling polluted water into rivers in two catchment areas – River Griffeen Catchment in the South Dublin County Council area, and Carrickmines Stream and Shanganagh River in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council area.

Misconnections tend to occur when homes are renovated or extended, and new appliances are installed. Some washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, and toilets can be mistakenly connected to the rainwater or stormwater drainage pipe instead of the sewage pipe, resulting in polluted water being discharged into local rivers and streams. Using Esri’s ArcGIS system, DURL has assessed over 8,300 homes to date and found over 1,000 misconnected appliances. Householder repairs are helping to improve water quality and aquatic biodiversity in their local rivers with over 85% of the misconnections fixed to date.

DURL’s field-based teams use ArcGIS Field Maps to view maps of the surface water drainage network on their mobile devices. Using this app, they lift manholes in residential areas, record signs of pollution in stormwater drains, and upload their findings directly to a central dashboard.

Data is captured and shared in real-time and all locations of pollution are instantly visible to office-based staff. These teams can then identify the domestic properties that are associated with each polluted drain, using further geospatial analysis and satellite imagery. Appointments, which take 15 minutes, are scheduled with homeowners at ‘high probability’ properties and if a misconnection is discovered, next steps are recommended to remedy the issue.

Using this technology, DURL’s rate of identifying misconnections has doubled, leading to a cost reduction of 50% through the project’s work. The solution is saving time for county council employees, who can focus their efforts on locations that are likely to be causing pollution. The project team has also developed a “Lite” version of the ArcGIS solution that can be used by other urban councils across Ireland and Europe as the basis for their own water quality improvement processes.

Briana Shiels, Project GIS Officer, Dublin Urban Rivers LIFE, said: “The driver for the project is always the quality of the rivers. ArcGIS enables us to find as many houses as possible with misconnected appliances, as efficiently as possible, to help Dublin’s rivers reach a good standard of water quality. Project information is transparent to everyone working on the project, whether in the field or in the office.”

Lorraine Beirne, Project Co-ordinator, Dublin Urban Rivers LIFE, said: “On average, 8% of domestic properties in Dublin have a misconnection and the DURL Project has identified a misconnection rate of greater than 30% in some housing estates as we now have a better system to pinpoint these properties and take action far more efficiently. With ArcGIS, we have built a replicable, standard solution with products that most local authorities in Ireland know and use already.”

Dermot O’Kane, Head of Sales, Esri Ireland, said: “This project is making a huge difference to the water quality and aquatic biodiversity in our Dublin rivers, making it an incredibly important project to work on. This technology is an efficient, digital process for inspecting suspected pollution which is easy to use and resulting in both cost and time savings for these county councils. We designed this solution with the future in mind, and we’re excited to see the technology being used elsewhere to improve the water quality for more rivers and waterways across Ireland and Europe.”